A study examined state-mandated literature assessment procedures and undertook a content analysis of tests produced by proprietary testing companies and textbook producers in order to ascertain how literature achievement is assessed in the United States. Results indicated that 61% of the school systems assess literature as part of an assessment of…

This paper focuses on computer-based assessment embedded in the process of instruction, with the assessment being used for placement, assignment, instructional feedback, progress assessment, and/or exit testing. This discussion is based on experience in developing and evaluating assessment and instruction materials for college-level remedial…

Assessment strategies that colleges and universities design to evaluate the effectiveness of their academic programs should be compatible with other institutional improvement strategies. This paper stems from work done by the Outcomes Assessment Project in International Education, a project that attempts to assist institutions in measuring the…

A study investigated the nature and extent of adult illiteracy and the characteristics of the less literate populations in Philadelphia. Data were collected through 2,197 telephone interviews and 607 personal interviews. The personal interviews involved use of a modified version of the instrument developed by the National Assessment of Educational…

The purpose of the hearing on June 15, 1982 was to hear testimony from the administration, from Indian tribes and organizations, and from tribally controlled community college representatives on S.2623, a bill that would amend and extend the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978. Representatives who testified from the…

General directions in evaluating U.S. colleges and universities and problems that might be encountered in evaluating institutional quality are discussed. Eight guidelines for assessing institutional quality are also offered. Appendices consider the following five institutional evaluation approaches: educational audits, external consultant reviews,…

A survey was conducted in 1985 by the College Board to determine the educational status of blacks in the United States. The conclusion was that even though legal barriers to educational opportunities have been removed, education to a large extent remains separate and unequal in the United States. Desegregation resulted in a system that, for the…

State educational policy-makers are showing increasing interest in using statewide educational assessment and evaluation programs (1) to evaluate student thinking skills and affective learning as well as traditional academic achievement, (2) to evaluate teachers at all stages of their careers, and (3) to assess the impact of school reform efforts.…

Noting that the predominant questions about characters in literature exams steer students away from reflection about the characters, this booklet on constructing exam questions analyzes current failures in character studies and reviews existing starting-points for an alternate approach. The firt section--on limiting assumptions in current…

The paper provides information about a survey designed to ascertain which states require a state studies course and the evaluation of these courses. Forty-three of 46 states affiliated with the Council of State Social Studies Specialists responded to questions asking: (1) if their state required state studies in its school curriculum; (2) if there…

The Effective School Battery (ESB) is a diagnostic tool used for assessing school climate and providing a sound basis for planning and evaluating school improvement programs. This paper provides a brief look at the development of the ESB and describes its basic features. The ESB serves for diagnosing problems, opening up communication, evaluating…

Designed to assist curriculum development efforts in school music programs, this curriculum guide is divided into five parts. Part 1, "Introduction," covers background, a rationale for school music programs, curriculum goals, curriculum development, and terminology. Part 2, "Music Outcomes," presents an overview, general music…

The following organizations and agencies sent their suggestions and comments on the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Elementary/Secondary Education Data Redesign Project: American Association for Counseling and Development, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Library Association, Indiana University,…

Legislative action and assessment in higher education are addressed in 24 papers from a 1986 conference sponsored by George Mason University (Virginia) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Titles and authors include: "Defining and Assessing Baccalaureate Skills: Ten Case Studies" (American Association of State…

Guidelines for evaluating responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) for state-level educational assessment programs are presented. The guidelines articulate key choice points, options, and considerations by state (and district) testing directors as they solicit services for large-scale assessment from commercial testing companies. Focus is on…